Xalkori (crizotinib) is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain forms of the following types of cancer:

Xalkori is typically taken long term. If your cancer worsens or you develop side effects that you can’t tolerate, your doctor may have you stop taking the drug.

Here are some fast facts about Xalkori:

  • Active ingredient: crizotinib
  • Drug class: tyrosine kinase inhibitor
  • Drug form: oral tablet

As with other drugs, Xalkori can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Xalkori, including details about its uses, see this article.

Xalkori can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Xalkori in clinical trials. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is treating.

More common side effects in people who took Xalkori for non-small cell lung cancer include:

More common side effects in people who took Xalkori for anaplastic large cell lymphoma include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics“ below.

Mild side effects can occur with Xalkori, and they can vary depending on which condition the drug is treating. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of Xalkori. For more details, you can refer to the medication’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Xalkori include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Xalkori and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* Electrolytes are chemicals that help keep your body hydrated. In some cases, changes in their levels may be serious.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics“ below.

Xalkori may cause serious side effects that can vary depending on which condition the drug is treating. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of Xalkori. For more details, you can refer to the medication’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Xalkori, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Xalkori that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Low blood pressure. Symptoms can include:
    • feeling lightheaded or dizzy
    • fainting
  • Lymphopenia (low level of white blood cells called lymphocytes) or neutropenia (low level of white blood cells called neutrophils). Symptoms can include:
    • fatigue
    • chills
  • Long QT syndrome (a problem with the heart’s electrical activity). Symptoms can include:
    • fainting
    • abnormal heart rhythm
    • fluttering feeling in the chest
    • being unable to catch your breath
  • Lung problems such as pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, or pneumonitis. Symptoms can include:
    • difficulty breathing
    • cough
    • fever
  • Severe digestive side effects.*
  • Severe vision-related side effects.*
  • Slow heart rate.*
  • Severe liver problems.*
  • Allergic reaction.*†

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics“ below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Xalkori. However, this side effect was not reported in clinical trials.

Xalkori may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Is there a Xalkori side effects forum?

No, the manufacturer of Xalkori does not have a side effects forum for the drug. However, the manufacturer does provide a support program to help with day-to-day challenges you may experience while taking Xalkori. You can read more about it and sign up here.

Another resource that might be helpful is ROS1ders. This nonprofit group was started by a small group of people who have a certain form of non-small cell lung cancer. The cancer has a mutation in a gene called ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1). Xalkori is approved to treat this form of cancer in some cases. The ROS1ders website has information about coping with Xalkori side effects.

Keep in mind that online reviews about medications, including Xalkori, may not contain reliable information. And each person may respond to medication differently.

It’s best to discuss any concerns you have about Xalkori side effects with your own doctor or pharmacist.

Does Xalkori cause any long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Xalkori may cause permanent damage to the optic nerve. This nerve sends information to your brain about your vision. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss that may last after treatment with Xalkori ends.

Also, based on animal studies, Xalkori may decrease fertility in females* and males*. (Fertility refers to the ability to conceive a child.) It’s not known whether fertility problems stop once treatment with Xalkori ends. It’s important to note that animal studies don’t always predict how drugs will affect people. And it’s unknown whether Xalkori affects fertility in humans.

If you have concerns about long-term side effects of Xalkori, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male“ and “female“ in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

If I take other medications with Xalkori, will I have more side effects?

It depends. Certain drugs known as CYP3A inhibitors can raise the level of Xalkori in your body. This may lead to an increased risk of side effects from Xalkori. CYP3A inhibitors include:

Be sure to talk with your doctor about all medications you take. They can adjust your dosage of Xalkori if needed.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Xalkori may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Xalkori.

Digestive side effects

In clinical trials, digestive side effects were common in people who took Xalkori. These side effects may be mild or serious and can include:

In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea were so severe that people stopped treatment with Xalkori.

Severe digestive side effects were more likely to occur in people who took Xalkori for anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) than people who took the drug for non-small cell lung cancer. In Xalkori’s clinical trials, everyone who took the medication for ALCL reported digestive side effects.

What you can do

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have digestive side effects while taking Xalkori. If you’re taking the drug to treat ALCL, they’ll likely prescribe medication to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help prevent or stop diarrhea. In addition, they may recommend drinking more fluids and taking electrolyte supplements. (Electrolytes are chemicals that help keep your body hydrated.)

Your doctor can provide more information about medication they may prescribe for you.

Depending on the severity of your digestive side effects, your doctor may pause your Xalkori treatment until your symptoms go away. Then they’ll likely have you start taking Xalkori again but at a lower dose.

Vision-related side effects

In clinical trials, vision problems were a common side effect in people who took Xalkori. The changes may be mild or serious and typically occur during the first week of treatment. Xalkori can cause vision problems such as:

What you can do

It’s possible that visual changes could occur while driving, so it’s important that you do not drive until you know how Xalkori affects you. If you develop severe vision loss during treatment, talk with your doctor immediately.

You’ll likely have an eye exam before you begin treatment with Xalkori and 1 month after your first dose. Then you’ll likely have an eye exam every 3 months during treatment.

Slow heart rate

A slow heart rate (also called bradycardia) can occur while taking Xalkori. Symptoms of a slow heart rate can include:

  • fainting
  • shortness of breath
  • fatigue
  • confusion
  • dizziness

What you can do

Be sure to talk with your doctor about all the medications you take. Certain drugs may increase your risk of a slow heart rate. If you take them with Xalkori, your risk could increase further.

Your doctor may recommend that you check your heart rate at home to see if it decreases. Your doctor will also measure your heart rate at every visit.

If you experience a slow heart rate while taking Xalkori, your doctor will likely pause your treatment until your symptoms go away. Then they may have you start taking the medication again at the same dose or at a lower dose.

Fever

In clinical trials of Xalkori, fever was a common side effect in people who took the medication. This side effect typically happened in people who had decreased white blood cell counts due to lymphopenia or neutropenia. Lymphopenia is a low level of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Neutropenia is a low level of white blood cells called neutrophils.

Fever also usually occurred in people taking Xalkori who developed certain lung problems, such as pneumonitis.

What you can do

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you develop a fever while taking Xalkori. They’ll likely order blood tests to check your levels of white blood cells during your Xalkori treatment.

If you have a fever with a cough or shortness of breath, it might mean that you have pneumonitis. This is a life threatening problem that needs emergency attention.

Liver problems

Xalkori can cause liver problems that may be mild or serious. Changes in the results of liver function tests may occur, especially during the first 2 months of taking the medication. These changes were a common side effect in people who took Xalkori in clinical trials.

The changes included increased levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Another change was an increased level of bilirubin. This is a substance that’s created when red blood cells break down.

Increases in the levels of ALT, AST, and bilirubin may mean there’s a liver problem.

Symptoms of liver damage can include:

  • jaundice
  • extreme tiredness
  • dark or tea-colored urine
  • nausea or vomiting
  • decreased appetite
  • pain on the right side of the abdomen
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than usual
  • skin that’s itchy

Severe liver damage may, in rare cases, be fatal.

What you can do

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you develop any of the symptoms listed above while taking Xalkori.

Your doctor will check your liver function every 2 weeks during the first 2 months of treatment. After that, they’ll likely check it once per month. If your lab work shows changes, your doctor may reduce your dose of Xalkori or have you stop taking the drug for a time.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Xalkori can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect was not reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Xalkori. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Xalkori. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Kidney problems. Xalkori can decrease how well your kidneys work. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney problems. If you have, they may lower your dose of Xalkori, prescribe a different medication, or test your kidney function more often than usual.

Liver problems. Xalkori can cause liver problems. If you have ever had problems with your liver, tell your doctor. They may give you a lower dose of Xalkori, recommend a different medication, or check your liver function more frequently than usual.

Heart problems. Xalkori can cause a heart problem called long QT syndrome. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had heart problems in the past. If you have, they’ll likely prescribe a different medication.

Vision problems. Xalkori can cause mild and serious vision problems. If you’ve had vision problems in the past, such as blurred vision, double vision, or floaters, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend a different treatment or monitor you more closely than usual.

Lung problems. Xalkori can cause serious lung problems, including interstitial lung disease and pneumonitis. If you have lung or breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may have a higher risk of these side effects than usual. And there’s an increased risk that they may be serious. Your doctor can determine whether Xalkori is safe to take with your lung or breathing problems.

Allergic reaction. It’s important to tell your doctor if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Xalkori or any of its ingredients. They can advise you on what other medications may be better choices for you.

Alcohol and Xalkori

There’s no known interaction between Xalkori and alcohol. However, some of Xalkori’s side effects may worsen if you drink alcohol with the medication. These include:

  • digestive side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • changes in vision
  • dizziness
  • liver problems
  • fatigue

You can talk with your doctor if you have questions about consuming alcohol while taking Xalkori.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Xalkori

Here’s some information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and Xalkori.

Pregnancy. Xalkori is not safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies showed that Xalkori can harm a fetus. Because of this risk, if you’re a female* who could become pregnant, you should use reliable birth control while taking Xalkori. You should continue to use birth control for at least 45 days after your last dose of Xalkori.

If you’re a male* and your sexual partner could become pregnant, you should use condoms while taking Xalkori. You should continue to use condoms for at least 90 days after your final dose of the drug.

For information about Xalkori and fertility, see “Does Xalkori cause any long-term side effects?” in the “FAQs about the side effects of Xalkori” section above.

Breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding, you should avoid taking Xalkori. Your doctor will likely recommend waiting at least 45 days after your last dose of Xalkori before breastfeeding.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can recommend safe and healthy ways to feed your child.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male“ and “female“ in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Side effects from Xalkori can be common but are typically mild. They may also differ depending on what conditions you take Xalkori to treat. In some cases, Xalkori can cause serious side effects that require medical attention. Talk with your doctor if you develop side effects that are severe or bothersome.

If you’d like to learn more about Xalkori, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects of taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Xalkori. For details about other aspects of Xalkori, refer to this article.
  • Dosage details. For information about Xalkori’s dosage, see this article.
  • Drug comparison. To learn how Xalkori compares with Alecensa and Rozlytrek, read this article.
  • A look at your condition. For details about cancer, you can visit our cancer hub. To learn more about lung cancer, see our lung cancer hub and list of related articles. If you’d like more information about lymphoma, see our list of lymphoma articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.